RNA modification m 6 Am: the role in cardiac biology.

Epitranscriptomic modifications have recently emerged into the spotlight of researchers due to their vast regulatory effects on gene expression and thereby cellular physiology and pathophysiology. N 6 ,2'-O-dimethyladenosine (m 6 Am) is one of the most prevalent chemical marks on RNA and is dynamically regulated by writers (PCIF1, METTL4) and erasers (FTO). The presence or absence of m 6 Am in RNA affects mRNA stability, regulates transcription, and modulates pre-mRNA splicing. Nevertheless, its functions in the heart are poorly known. This review summarizes the current knowledge and gaps about m 6 Am modification and its regulators in cardiac biology. It also points out technical challenges and lists the currently available techniques to measure m 6 Am. A better understanding of epitranscriptomic modifications is needed to improve our knowledge of the molecular regulations in the heart which may lead to novel cardioprotective strategies.